Portable reciprocation device for soothing an infant

ABSTRACT

A reciprocating device for holding an infant carrier that is expandable to accommodate carriers of various sizes. The device includes a base member that is stationary with respect to a support surface and a platform that reciprocates above the base member. The reciprocation is executed by an actuator. The reciprocation of the platform on the base member is linear. The platform can include expansion trays which extend outward, increasing its usable surface area, it can be foldable between folded and unfolded positions, or it can be foldable and include expansion trays.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a reciprocating platform for holding infant carriers, and more specifically relates to a reciprocating platform that is expandable to accommodate different sized carriers.

BACKGROUND

It has long been known that oscillatory motion can induce a small child, especially an infant, to sleep. Rocking has been a method used by caretakers for thousands of years to help infants fall and remain asleep. It is also well known that the movements involved with transporting an infant can help induce it to sleep. For example, the motion associated with pushing a stroller or riding in a car frequently put infants to sleep. Devices have been developed to simulate this motion mechanically. For example, electrically powered rockers which automatically swing an infant back and forth in a consistent rhythm have been developed.

None of the methods are guaranteed to induce a child to sleep. However, once asleep, some infants will awaken once the movement is stopped. Also, the process of moving an infant from a stroller or car seat to an automatic rocker can rouse an infant. Once the child is awake, it may not return to sleep. Accordingly, there are devices which can convey motion to an infant carrier, such as a stroller or car seat, once the infant is no longer traveling.

For example, International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/GB/00474 discloses a device with a platform that moves back and forth while pivoting to replicate rocking. The device includes a box next to the platform that houses a motor to impart the motion to the platform. The overall design of the device is large and awkward and is intended to be stationary.

The BabySitter by Robopax is somewhat smaller and includes an actuator under the platform. However, the platform is not expandable, and the device must be as large as the platform. This can be cumbersome if the device is designed to accommodate a large stroller.

Accordingly there is a desire for a device which can accommodate an infant carrier and has an expandable platform such that it can be made small and portable. There is also a desire for such a device to accommodate both large carriers, such as strollers, and smaller carriers, such as car seats. Further, the device may be portable, so the caregiver can transport it easily to another location or destination outside the care giver's home.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a reciprocating device for holding an infant carrier that is expandable to accommodate carriers of various sizes. The device includes a base member that is stationary with respect to a support surface and a platform that reciprocates above the base member. The reciprocation is executed by an actuator. The reciprocation of the platform on the base member may be linear. Accordingly, the actuator can be a linear actuator, or a rotating motor with linkage to convert the rotating motion to a linear motion.

The device may include one or more features which allow it to expand in either length, width or both. The platform can include expansion trays which may extend outward, increasing the usable surface area of the platform. The expansion trays are movable between a first contracted position, where the platform is small and a second expanded position. The expansion trays may slide relative to the rest of the platform.

Alternatively, the platform may be foldable, such that it can be folded and smaller or open and larger. The device may include various elements to support the unfolded section of the platform when the platform is open. For example, the base member can be expandable, a second base member may be included, or the platform can have its own support members, such as wheels.

To accommodate a wide range of different sized baby carriers, the device may include more than one expansion feature. The device can be both foldable and include an expansion tray. The expansion trays can be used when the device is in the unfolded position. In the expanded position, the device is open (unfolded) and the expansion trays are in an extended position. Each side of the folded platform is supported by a base member.

The expansion trays can be slidably connected to the rest of the platform. To keep the expansion trays in a desired position they can be temporarily fixed in place. For example, the connection between the expansion tray and the platform can include spring-loaded locks, such that the trays can lock in both an extended and a contracted position.

The platform is also slidably connected to the base members, with each half of the foldable platform connected to a different base member. For instance, a first section of the platform can be slidably connected to a first base member and a second section of the platform can be slidably connected to a second base member. Rollers can be included between the platform and base members, such that the reciprocation of the platform is smooth.

The platform, including an expansion tray, can be foldable about a hinge or pivot joints. To fold the device, the second section of the platform is rotated about the hinge such that it rests above the first section of the platform. The hinge is not limited to a specific embodiment and only defines the part of the platform through which the two sections are foldably connected. The hinge can be formed integrally with one of or both of the platform sections, or can be separate parts attached to the sections of the platform. Consequently, the second base member, which is attached to the second section of the platform, is also rotated about the pivot joint. Thus, when the device is in the folded position the second base member is above the platform and forms the support surface for a baby carrier. Accordingly, the second base member may be designed to have a surface which acts as the bottom when in the open position, but acts as the carrier surface when in the folded position.

In the folded position the device is smaller and can be portable. Accordingly, the device can include a handle or strap for added convenience to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent by referring to the drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention including expansion trays;

FIGS. 2 a-2 b show perspective views of a foldable embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another foldable embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4 a-4 b show perspective views of yet another foldable embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a foldable embodiment of the present invention including expansion trays in an expanded position;

FIGS. 6 a-6 c illustrate the reciprocation of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in the unfolded position;

FIG. 7 a shows an attachment mechanism of the expansion trays of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 b is a magnified view of the attachment mechanism shown in FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 8 shows an interconnection of the platform and base members of FIG. 5 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 illustrates an operation of the actuator of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in a folded position; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a reciprocating motion of the folded embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show an embodiment of a reciprocating device 1 for soothing an infant. Device 1 is shown in a compact position in FIG. 1 a and an expanded position in FIG. 1 b. Device 1 includes a base member 10 adapted to conform to a support surface, such as a floor, and a platform 40. Platform 40 is designed to hold a carrier for a small child, for example a stroller or car seat. Device 1 includes an actuator 70 for oscillating the platform 40 with respect to base member 10. Actuator 70 may be any type of actuator operable to oscillate platform 40 with respect to base member 10. For example, actuator 70 may be a linear actuator including solenoids, a rack and pinion or a simple mechanical linkage for converting rotational motion from an induction motor to a linear motion, such as a crank-rocker. In the illustrated embodiments, actuator 70 is adjacent base member 10 and platform 40. However, the location of actuator 70 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

Platform 40 may be in the form of a flat surface which supports the child carrier. In order to change the size of the platform surface, platform 40 may include one or more expansion trays 66. The expansion trays 66 have a retracted position fitting tightly into the platform 40, such that the platform 40 is in a compact position. In the compact position, platform 40 is more easily transported and takes up less space. Each expansion tray 66 also has an extracted position increasing the surface of platform 40. Expansion tray 66 may slide away from the rest of the platform 40 into an extracted position to form an expanded position of platform 40. In the illustrated embodiment part of the main body of the platform is exposed between the expansion trays. However, the expansion trays 66 can each be half the width of the platform, such that they touch when in the compact position. In the compact position, the expansion tray 66 may be held under, above, or within the rest of the platform 40. The expansion tray 66 may be movable in an up and down direction once in the extracted position to align with the top of the platform. For example, if expansion tray 66 is held beneath the rest of the platform 40 in the compact position, it may be raised when placed in the extracted position to be flush with the top of the platform 40. In FIGS. 1 a and 1 b the platform 40 includes two expansion trays 66, each of which is shown above the rest of the platform and is operable to slide over the platform.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show another embodiment of reciprocating device 1. Platform 40 includes two pivotally connected sections 44, 46. In a compact position of device 1, first section 44 is beneath second section 46, as shown in FIG. 2 a. In an expanded position, second section 46 is adjacent first section 44. Platform 40 may include a hinge 100 connecting first section 44 and second section 46. A second base member 10′ may be placed under second section 46 to provide support, see FIG. 2 b. As shown in FIG. 2 a, the second base member 10 may be held below the first base member 10 when device 1 is in the compact position. Alternatively, second base member 10 may be held above platform 40 (See, for example, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12)

Other methods can also be used to support second section 46. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, base member 10 may include rails 12 which extend therefrom. The rails 12 can be extended to support second section 46 in the expanded position, or rails 12 can be held within base 10 when device 1 is in the compact position.

Another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, is that second section 46 supports itself. For example, second section 46 may include wheels 42, which reach the floor when platform 40 is open and second section 46 is adjacent first section 44. The wheels 42 may be positioned such that they do not interfere with base member 10 as the platform 40 oscillates. Wheels 42 may be retractable, such that they do not obstruct a platform surface provided by second section 46 when in the compact and folded position.

The device 1 may be portable so that the care giver of the child can take the device to locations outside of the care giver's home. The expandability of the platform 40 surface allows the device to be small such that it is easy to carry. Further, the device 1 can include a handle (see FIG. 12), so that it can be lifted and moved easily.

The device 1 may include additional features to aid in calming the infant. For example, device 1 can include a system for playing music. Device 1 can include speakers for playing music to soothe the infant. Pre-recorded music can be stored in a memory within device 1 to be played over the speakers. Additionally, device 1 may include a radio receiver to receive AM, FM or satellite music broadcasts. Similarly, device 1 may include a receiver for other wireless signals, such as Wi-Fi. Further the device may include a signal port to receive audio signals from an external device. For example, device 1 may include an electrical cable to connect to the headphone port of an audio device, such as a portable audio player or computer. Alternatively, device 1 can include a docking station for a portable music player, such as an MP3 player.

The oscillation of device 1 can be linear, such that the platform oscillates back and forth. The speed of the motion may be uniform back and forth or it can be sinusoidal such that the platform moves faster through the middle of its path. Alternatively, the platform can oscillate in a non-linear manner, for instance the platform may translate in a circle or other shape. Further, the platform can twist or rock as it moves. The motion can be made to replicate the motion of a car or rocking in a care giver's arms. Device 1 may include controls for changing the motion of the platform. The controls can change the overall speed of the motion, or change the path of the motion. Further, device 1 may be configured to oscillate according to the rhythm of music being played through the speakers, if provided.

The details of a specific embodiment of the invention which has a platform 40 that includes both expansion trays 66 as well as first and second sections 44, 46 is shown in FIGS. 5-13 and described herein. Device 1 is shown in FIG. 5 in the fully expanded position. Platform 40 is folded open such that second section 46 is next to first section 44. Expansion trays 66 are shown in an extended position providing the largest possible platform area of device 1. In the most expanded position, as shown, platform 40 is wider than the base members 10 because expansion trays 66 are extending out from platform 40. The expansion trays 66 overhang the base members 10. Actuator 70 is held in a housing 72 that is fixed to platform 40. In the operation of this embodiment, actuator 70, housing 72 and platform 40, including both sections 44 and 46 as well as expansion trays 66, oscillate with respect to the base members 10. The movement of device 1 in the open and expanded position is shown in FIGS. 6 a-6 c. In the most expanded position shown in FIG. 5, device 1 is sized to accommodate large strollers or baby carriages.

The expansion trays 66 may be fixedly attached to the rest of platform 40 in such a way that they are slidable between a retracted position and an extracted position. As shown in FIG. 7 a, the expansion trays 66 may be held on the platform using a peg and slot. One or more pegs 68 are included on each expansion tray 66. The peg 68 rides in a slot 58 formed in platform 40, shown in detail in FIG. 7 b. Slot 58 may have an open bottom such that a washer 62, with a diameter larger than the width of slot 58, can be attached to peg 68 on the bottom side of platform 40. This arrangement allows peg 68 to move back and forth within slot 58, but prevents peg 68 from being removed entirely from slot 58. Peg 68 may be lockable within slot 58 at either end, corresponding to the extracted and retracted positions. A mechanism for locking peg 68, and thus expansion tray 66, in one of the extracted and retracted positions could be as simple as a leaf spring (not shown) or more complex.

Of course, the location of the peg 68 and slot 58 may be rearranged, such that the peg 68 is part of the main body of the platform 40 and the slot 58 part of expansion tray 66. Likewise, other mechanisms and designs may be used to fix the expansion tray 66 onto the platform 40 while allowing it to slide. The shown and described peg and slot embodiment is exemplary. If the user does not require such a large platform, the expansion trays 66 may be placed and held in the retracted position, as described below.

The connection used for fixing the platform 40 onto base member 10 may be similar to that used to attach expansion tray 66 onto platform 40, as shown in FIG. 8, such that platform 40 itself may be fixed to and slidable with the base member 10. Accordingly, the platform 40 may include one or more pegs 48 that ride within one or more corresponding slots 18 in the base member 10. Again, a washer 22 (FIG. 11) can be included to hold peg 48 within slot 18. This allows each peg 48 to slide back and forth within slot 18 as the platform 40 oscillates.

For added stability, each base member 10 may include a bar 24 that runs its length and fits within a complimentary trench 54 in the platform 40, illustrated in FIG. 11. The bar 24 of one base member 10 fits in a trench 54 of first section 44 and the bar 24 of the other base member 10 fits in a trench 54 of second section 46. Though the base members 10 are shown in FIG. 8 as including a bar 24 and peg slots, while the complimentary platform section is shown including a trench and pegs, these features may be arranged in any fashion. For example, the bar 24 may be included on either the base member 10 (as shown) or on the platform section 42, 46. Likewise, the pegs 48 may be included on either the base member 10 or platform 40.

Rollers 20 may be included on either the platform 40 or base member 10 to reduce friction between these parts as the platform 40 is oscillated. In the illustrated embodiment a plurality of rollers 20 are attached to each base member 10. Smooth flat surfaces are included on the platform sections 44, 46 as rolling paths 50 corresponding to rollers 20. Each roller 20 may be recessed in a cavity 21 exposing only a small rolling surface above the surface of the base member 10, depicted in FIG. 9. The depth of roller 20 within the cavity 21 determines the gap formed between platform 40 and base section 10.

As stated above, actuator 70 is held in a housing 72 that is fixed to platform 40. The housing 72 may be larger than the actuator, as shown in FIG. 7 a, to provide convenient storage space 74. The storage space 74 may be used to hold a power adapter or battery pack for device 1 or anything desired by the user.

In the illustrated embodiment, actuator 70 is a motor that is fixed within housing 72 relative to platform 40. As platform 40 oscillates so can motor 70. Motor 70 is coupled to a drive arm 80 that interacts with one of the base members 10 to drive platform 40 in an oscillatory motion. The base member 10 which interacts with drive arm 80 is described as the first base member 14, while the other is described as the second base member 16. The drive arm 80 is positioned below platform 40 and is coupled to motor 70 through a hole in the platform. Drive arm 80 is attached at a first end 86 to a shaft 84 that is driven by motor 70. As motor 70 turns, drive arm 80 rotates about the end 86 which is attached to the shaft 84.

The operation of the actuator is illustrated in FIG. 10. The second end 88 of drive arm 80 has an extension 82 attached thereto. Relative to the motor 70 and platform 40, extension 82 travels in a circular motion as drive arm 80 rotates. Extension 82 is held in a well 76 in the first base member 14. Well 76 is a substantially linear groove with side walls 78 extending down from a surface of first base member 14. Well 76 is arranged such that its length is perpendicular to the direction of oscillation of platform 40. As drive arm 80 rotates, extension 82 moves back and forth within well 76. Thus, the motion of extension 82 is linear relative to first base member 10. The movement of extension 82 within well 76 compensates for a first component of the rotational motion of drive arm 80. The second component of the rotational motion of drive arm 80 is translated to the oscillation of the platform 40. For example, if extension 82 begins at one end of well 76 it will push platform 40 in a first direction as the extension 82 moves toward the center of the well 76. When extension 82 reaches the center of well 76, platform 40 is at a peak in its oscillatory motion. As extension 82 travels to the other end of well 76, platform 40 is pulled back to its central position. While the extension 82 goes back to the first end of well 76, platform 40 moves toward and back from a second peak in its oscillatory motion. If motor 70 rotates at a constant rate, the trigonometric relationship between the well 76 and extension 82 causes platform 40 to have a linear motion with a sinusoidal rate.

Extension 82 may include a drive wheel 83 which rides against the sidewall 78 of well 76. Drive wheel 83 reduces friction between extension 82 and well 76. Thus, a smooth, even motion is imparted in platform 40 as drive arm 80 rotates. In a preferred embodiment, platform 40 oscillates with respect to both first base member 14 and second base member 16. However, actuator 70 and drive arm 80 act only on the platform 40 and first base member 14. Thus, platform 40 does not inherently oscillate relative to second base member 16. Therefore, a temporary attachment member 98 may be included to secure second base member 16 to first base member 14 when device 1 is in an open position. Accordingly, platform 40 oscillates with respect to both base members 10. The temporary attachment member 98 may be one or more magnets linking the base members 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates that each of the base members 10 may include a grip section 90 including feet 92. The feet 92 shown in the figures are formed of rubber which has high traction and helps stabilize device 1 on the support surface. Even if the infant carrier is large and heavy, such that its movement on the platform 40 creates large changes in momentum, the grip section 90 holds device 1 in place.

The platform first section 44 and second section 46 may be held together by pivot joints 102 which act as a hinge 100. To place device 1 in the folded section, shown in FIG. 11, the user rotates second section 46 of platform 40 and second base member 16 about hinge 100 as shown in FIG. 12. When in the folded position device 1 may be used to hold a smaller infant carrier, such as a car seat. Grip section 90 of second base member 16 securely holds the infant carrier in place on device 1. To avoid interference with any infant carriers placed on device 1, the feet 92 may be included at the corners of grip section 90. In the folded position, it is preferable if second base member 16 oscillate with platform 40, such as illustrated in FIG. 13. In the illustrated embodiment, actuator housing 72 is tall enough that it may include a temporary attachment member 98 to secure second base member 16 to actuator housing 72. Because actuator housing 72 is fixedly attached to platform 40, the temporary attachment member 98 ensures that second base member 16 is fixed with respect to platform 40.

In the folded position, device 1 is smaller and more portable. A handle 96 may be included on device 1 for easier carrying. The handle 96 preferably extends to the side of device 1 such that it is in a vertical orientation when being carried by handle 96. The side of device 1 opposite handle 96 may include a floor pad (not shown) to secure device 1 when set down temporarily during transport. As shown in FIG. 12, handle 96 may be an extension of platform 40. In this embodiment, second base member 16 is kept from moving in the oscillation direction by temporary attachment member 98 and actuator housing 72. Similarly, first base member 14 is held in place by the static torque of motor 70. Thus, when device 1 is carried by handle 96, the parts which oscillate with respect to one another are held in place.

Although the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described, many features may be varied, as will readily be apparent to those skilled in this art. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

1. A portable reciprocation device for an infant comprising: a first base member and a second base member each adapted to conform to a support surface; a platform having a first section and a second section, the first section movably attached to the first base member and the second section movably attached to the second base member; a hinge connecting the first and second platform sections; and an actuator attached to at least one of the first platform section and the first base member, the actuator configured to oscillate the platform with respect to the first base member, wherein the reciprocation device has an unfolded position with the platform unfolded, the first base member adjacent the second base member, and the platform above the two base members; and a folded position with the platform folded, the first base member below the platform, and the second base member above the platform.
 2. The portable reciprocation device of claim 1 wherein the actuator includes a rotating motor.
 3. The portable reciprocation device of claim 2 wherein the rotating motor operates to oscillate the platform linearly with respect to the base member.
 4. The portable reciprocation device of claim 1 further comprising a temporary attachment member holding the first and second base members together when the portable reciprocation device is in the unfolded position.
 5. The portable reciprocation device of claim 1 wherein the oscillation of the platform is a linear sinusoidal motion.
 6. The portable reciprocation device of claim 2 wherein the motor is fixed with respect to one of the platform and first base member and actuator further comprises: a rotating drive arm attached to the motor at a first end, an extension at a second end of the drive arm, and a well in the other of said platform and first base member with respect to said motor, said well holding the extension, wherein the motor rotates the drive arm such that the extension moves in a circle, and a first component of the circular movement of the extension causes the extension to oscillate inside the well while a second perpendicular component of the circular movement of the extension causes the platform to oscillate linearly with respect to the first base member.
 7. The portable reciprocation device of claim 1 further comprising a handle.
 8. The portable reciprocation device of claim 1 wherein the second base member includes a grip section thereon.
 9. A portable reciprocation device for an infant comprising: a first base member and a second base member each adapted to conform to a support surface; a platform comprising: a first section movably attached to the first base member, a second section movably attached to the second base member, and at least one expansion tray attached to one of the first and second platform sections; a hinge connecting the first and second platform sections; and an actuator attached to at least one of the first platform section and the first base member, the actuator configured to oscillate the platform with respect to at least the first base member, wherein the reciprocation device has an unfolded position with the platform unfolded, the first base member adjacent the second base member, and the platform above the two base members; and a folded position with the platform folded, the first base member below the platform, and the second base member above the platform.
 10. The portable reciprocation device of claim 9 wherein the expansion tray is slidable between a retracted position and expanded position.
 11. The portable reciprocation device of claim 9 wherein the actuator includes a rotating motor.
 12. The portable reciprocation device of claim 11 wherein the rotating motor operates to oscillate the platform linearly with respect to the base member.
 13. The portable reciprocation device of claim 9 further comprising a temporary attachment member holding the first and second base members together when the portable reciprocation device is in the unfolded position.
 14. The portable reciprocation device of claim 9 wherein the oscillation of the platform is a linear sinusoidal motion.
 15. The portable reciprocation device of claim 11 wherein the motor is fixed with respect to one of the platform and first base member and actuator further comprises: a rotating drive arm attached to the motor at a first end, an extension at a second end of the drive arm, and a well in the other of said platform and first base member, said well holding the extension, wherein the motor rotates the drive arm such that the extension moves in a circle, and a first component of the circular movement of the extension causes the extension to oscillate inside the well while a second perpendicular component of the circular movement of the extension causes the platform to oscillate linearly with respect to the first base member.
 16. The portable reciprocation device of claim 9 further comprising a handle.
 17. The portable reciprocation device of claim 9 wherein the second base member includes a grip section thereon.
 18. A portable reciprocation device for an infant comprising: a base member adapted to conform to a support surface; an expandable platform above the base member, the platform being attached to the base member such that the platform is movable with respect to the base member; and an actuator coupling the platform and base member, the actuator configured to oscillate the platform with respect to the base member.
 19. The portable reciprocation device of claim 18 wherein the platform includes at least one expansion tray that is slidable from a retracted position to an expanded position.
 20. The portable reciprocation device of claim 18 wherein the platform includes two expansion trays that are each slidable from a retracted position to an expanded position. 